Huong River planning scheme gets underway

The People’s Committee of central Thua Thien-Hue province and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) are working hand-in-hand to implement a plan for the Huong River through 2017.

Funded by KOICA, the 6-million-USD project hopes to contribute to the Hue imperial city’s sustainable development, especially in terms of culture and tourism.

The project is being carried out across 365 hectares, covering several parks, architectures, traditional craft villages and markets along the riverside and islets.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Cao said the plan aims to upgrade and rebuild surrounding facilities, develop tourism sites along the riverside and build a marine transport route.

The province is currently focusing on constructing parks and flower gardens from Trang Tien Bridge to Thien Mu pagoda, as well as on land clearance.

Recognised as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 1993, Hue imperial city is a must-see destination for tourists visiting Vietnam. Its relic sites, such as the imperial citadel, Nam Giao esplanade, An Dinh palace, royal tombs and Thien Mu pagoda, all have close relations with the Huong River.

Cutting through the city centre, the Huong (Perfume) River is around 80 kilometres in length and owes its name to its path through aromatic forests. Dotted with rowboats and curving past the citadel, gardens, pagodas, towers and temples, the poetic landscape has long mesmerised travellers.-VNA